This just in from Disney Parks blog!

[*disgal*]

So, let me see if I'm understanding this correctly (and feel free to correct me if I'm over simplifying)

A lot of people who used FP- to its fullest extent weren't happy with only three FP+.

Now that we're being given the option to get MORE than three, there still seems to be a problem.

I think that maybe a "rolling" 3 FP+ might have been better (after you use the first of your three, you can get another, so forth, so on...etc) but this is better than nothing, yes? And I agree with whoever said that this getting a 4th after you use your three will be easier to do during the slower times of the year.

(Also, I apologize if this post comes across as condescending or rude. It's not my intent. Tone is hard to gauge on the internet. lol)

I would have preferred that too. And yes, it's better than nothing. And when reports start coming back helping people decide how best to work things, it will be better.

Can't keep up with this thread, but I just don't understand all the love for this move. It is pretty much meaningless.

If you waste your FP+ for early times, when it isn't really needed, then you MIGHT get one more decent FP+, and that would probably be it.

If you save your FP+ for the afternoon or later, you may be able to get a Pirates of HM FP+. But that IS NOT A BENEFIT. Remember, just a year ago, you NEVER had a serious wait for those rides except the absolute worst days.

This change in the system is a slight improvement on the mess that was created by the system to begin with.

On any day that an FP+ will available for Space Mountain at 1 pm, crowds are going to be fairly light anyway.

-R

That is what I am trying to figure out. Of course they might not have this new part running when I'm there in 8 days so I prob don't have to worry about it. But I was thinking what I would do if I were going months from now. I think I would still choose to do sb at rd. I mean, that IS the least crowded time of day, right? And keep the FPs in afternoon/evening. But not sure.

It's easier to get people to change what they do than when they do it.

THat's what I'm hoping. Please, everyone who loves FP+, sleep in, sleep in!!

I would prefer they give four fps from the get go to be used between any parks for parkhopping. Maybe set up two fps between two parks then once you have used all your fps for THAT park you would allowed another.(that park only) would be nice if maybe they could put some kiosks in the resort's themselves. (Open 24 hours) I know this is just wishful thinking.

Now THAT I would love! And that would help those who want to use a fp for parade/fireworks or something. They would still have 3 rides for the day time.

But this is moving in the right direction. Funny though, on that survey that was on here that disney sent out and we all voted on it?.....this was the option I hated. So of course disney goes with THAT one! I'm the kiss of death, I tell ya!

 

[OtherScott]

I think I like the change because a) it will be better for me b)It will be better during the slower parts of the year. c) I can't see it making much difference either way in busier seasons (so its not a negative then) d) I think this will allow the "pros" and the people who put in full days "commando" to do more. Which I think is good. You want the first timers to have a great time, but you also want the most loyal guests to be able to maximize their enjoyment. At least, I do, and I think its good business.

Is this perfect ? Is it a return to FP- ... no, but its pretty close. I would have rather had the 3 cycling FPs, being able to hold 3 at any time. But I will take this too.

For the past few months the concern was that FP+ = 3/out. Without even waiting until the full effects are measured (everyone with ability to pre-book) Disney is confident with the limited data it does have to signal additional FPs. Maybe not functioning exactly as we'd like, but still, an adjustment.

I wouldn't get to used to this current form. I think there will be further expansion once Disney has more data. Booking isn't the key - Disney forces a minimum. The key will be FP redemption.

I think rolling 3 makes perfect sense. Declining availability throughout the day will limit its value, of course.

Remember, whatever the total number or distribution format of FPs is ultimately decided upon, it's the earliest FP and the latest FP that Disney is most concerned about. Everything in between is in furtherance of having you keep those 2 appointments.

 

[jamoka]

I am finally catching up. But my concern is something that happend to us in November. We were in DHS, and something came up and we were going to miss our afternoon FP+ time for Toy Story. I went in to change the time and all of the FP+ for toy story were gone. There were no available fp+'s except for one for Fantasmic. So disney is now going to allow more FP+-->for what rides?? The ones where there should be no line at all?? I think this is something to Make things look better..It sounds great...More fast passes...but until they get more rides things will not get any better..

This is exactly our experience this week. It might help in magic kingdom... But no one is going to get 2 fast passes to toy story mania or Soarin...

 

[jade1]

Seems the "fairness" responses have kinda dried up at least.

Maybe the 30 day to 60 onsite may be in play, but with AP and S&D in now even that's getting a little better, and it could change to 60 for everyone down the road.

Also the "Disney wants us to go offsite with just 3 FP+" seems to now be sunrise to park closing planning now.


Just classic Disney manipulation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU

 

[shyjade]

I am finally catching up. But my concern is something that happend to us in November. We were in DHS, and something came up and we were going to miss our afternoon FP+ time for Toy Story. I went in to change the time and all of the FP+ for toy story were gone. There were no available fp+'s except for one for Fantasmic.

So disney is now going to allow more FP+-->for what rides?? The ones where there should be no line at all?? I think this is something to Make things look better..It sounds great...More fast passes...but until they get more rides things will not get any better..

I'm sure there will be availability...for Stitch, Captain EO, Hall of Presidents...

I wonder if this is just a bone being handed out by Disney to "increase entitlements", or in other words, to fill up the rides guests don't need/want a FP+ for in the first place?

 

[ArwenMarie]

Also the "Disney wants us to go offsite with just 3 FP+" seems to now be sunrise to park closing planning now.

Just classic Disney manipulation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPw-3e_pzqU

Well, it's a little too early to say that. Let's see what's left to pick from after the 3 are gone, if they stick with this kiosk plan, how long it takes to get one at the kiosk, etc.

I do agree though, brilliant move by Disney.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I'm sure there will be availability...for Stitch, Captain EO, Hall of Presidents...

I wonder if this is just a bone being handed out by Disney to "increase entitlements", or in other words, to fill up the rides guests don't need/want a FP+ for in the first place?

I think so. I think it's a way to move towards FPs for everything.

And I think there was a message getting out that you "only got 3 FPs a day". And that was easily translated into "only 3 rides a day". So they said, ok, sure, if you would like to pick through the scraps after you use your three, go right ahead.

And with that, they neutralize the "only 3" complaint

 

[chrismb22]

Sorry if this has been asked/answered before but do you think they will "hold" fast pass slot and release them later in the day for this purpose? Sort of like concert venues do -- I remember getting some awesome seats day of concert -- sometimes better than if I slept out for tickets.

 

[jade1]

So they said, ok, sure, if you would like to pick through the scraps after you use your three, go right ahead.

And with that, they neutralize the "only 3" complaint

Ironic, with FP- it was eerily similar, although much worse, for the average guest arrival.

So they said, "ok, sure, if you would like to pick through the scraps after you arrive, go right ahead."

 

[ArwenMarie]

Ironic, with FP- it was eerily similar, although much worse, for the average guest arrival.

So they said, "ok, sure, if you would like to pick through the scraps after you arrive, go right ahead."

True, true. But I guess that's my point. Scraps are scraps.

 

[Love Tink]

Social programs like FP+ are progress though lol.

Works for majority (<3 FP- people) but hurts the few(3+ FP- people).

This isn't even a little bit true. FP+ hasn't helped anyone. Maybe people who used to get 0 or 1 FP are now getting 3 (some of which are certainly unnecessary)....but they are also.

1) Waiting in longer stand-by lines earlier in the day
2) Waiting in long lines for attractions that never had lines in the past
3) Waiting in fastpass lines that are longer than FP lines ever were in the past
4) Experiencing disruption to the beauty and efficiency of the park, with the long outdoor fastpass lines
5) Wasting time in kiosk lines or with a glitchy app
6) Experiencing the frustration of booking a fastpass, only to arrive and realize it was completely unnecessary
7) Dealing with the technical frustration and mental stress of trying to plan out their hourly plans weeks or months before arrival

It hasn't been a positive in really any tangible way. Except now you can sleep in and ride TSMM! Woo hoo! So worth it!

 

[jade1]

True, true. But I guess that's my point. Scraps are scraps.

True, but scraps "after 3" is a lot better than just scraps.

 

[2Tiggies]

True, true. But I guess that's my point. Scraps are scraps.

Yes. Although the scraps didn't have to feed as many with FP-

 

[jade1]

Yes. Although the scraps didn't have to feed as many with FP-

Yep, only about 1/2 the guests got scraps only.

 

[OtherScott]

This isn't even a little bit true. FP+ hasn't helped anyone. Maybe people who used to get 0 or 1 FP are now getting 3 (some of which are certainly unnecessary)....but they are also.

1) Waiting in longer stand-by lines earlier in the day
2) Waiting in long lines for attractions that never had lines in the past
3) Waiting in fastpass lines that are longer than FP lines ever were in the past
4) Experiencing disruption to the beauty and efficiency of the park, with the long outdoor fastpass lines
5) Wasting time in kiosk lines or with a glitchy app
6) Experiencing the frustration of booking a fastpass, only to arrive and realize it was completely unnecessary
7) Dealing with the technical frustration and mental stress of trying to plan out their hourly plans weeks or months before arrival

It hasn't been a positive in really any tangible way. Except now you can sleep in and ride TSMM! Woo hoo! So worth it!

People don't care to wait in lines at a theme park. They do it all the time. They expect to.

They'd rather not, but most are rational enough to know that amusement parks that don't have lines usually aren't open too long.

Give them reasonable lines and the opportunity to forego a few of them and I think you've got a recipe for success.

 

[Mad Hattered]

Yep, only about 1/2 the guests got scraps only.

Then they shouldn't have been fishing.

 

[KYDisneyDad]

This isn't even a little bit true. FP+ hasn't helped anyone. Maybe people who used to get 0 or 1 FP are now getting 3 (some of which are certainly unnecessary)....but they are also. 1) Waiting in longer stand-by lines earlier in the day 2) Waiting in long lines for attractions that never had lines in the past 3) Waiting in fastpass lines that are longer than FP lines ever were in the past 4) Experiencing disruption to the beauty and efficiency of the park, with the long outdoor fastpass lines 5) Wasting time in kiosk lines or with a glitchy app 6) Experiencing the frustration of booking a fastpass, only to arrive and realize it was completely unnecessary 7) Dealing with the technical frustration and mental stress of trying to plan out their hourly plans weeks or months before arrival It hasn't been a positive in really any tangible way. Except now you can sleep in and ride TSMM! Woo hoo! So worth it!

You can't hear it, but this is the sound of my hands clapping at your post.

One thing about your comment on FP+ not helping anyone though: assuming they withstand the PR backlash, it certainly helps Disney. And the Staggs article, as many of the posts on this thread show, has many people actually believing this will be an improvement.

 

[jade1]

FP+ hasn't helped anyone.

We haven't used it yet. But it "should" help us.

We visit XMAS week and Easter though, and usually arrive late afternoon. We do other AM activities and then hit SAB for the afternoon. We would be happy to have one major headliner FP, much less 2 or 3, as they are all 60 to 120 minutes by then. These include TT/Soarin, EE/Safari, TSM/TOT/RNR, the MK mountains/P Pan etc.

Our evenings are still wonderful with dinner/drinks/night shows, and EMH evenings allow a bit of 2nd tier activity and occasional top tier. But even at 2AM many are 50 minutes yet.

So yes, for us it will be much better.

 

[jade1]

Then they shouldn't have been fishing.

HaHa you got me there.

But then we chose that, and still would-not our fault they dangled 3 FP+ (that other guests used to select) in front of us.

 

[WillAustin]

And the Staggs article, as many of the posts on this thread show, has many people actually believing this will be an improvement.

FP+ isn't an improvement over FP- for us, but the ability to possibly get more than 3 FP+s is a slight improvement over being locked into only 3.